Computer Science @ Concordia University Wisconsin
Concorida currently offers both an undergraduate minor and a major (Bachelor of Science degree)
in computer science.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science can be succinctly defined as problem solving. The computer scientist is
an individual who is concerned with creating computer systems, with an emphasis on
software, which will assist other people in solving problems. The computer scientist is
proficient with current software applications and hardware technologies; however, more
importantly, the computer scientist possesses a deep understanding of the concepts under
lying current computer technology. The computer scientist is chiefly concerned with
algorithms - general methods of solving problems. The computer scientist observes specific
problems with their associated manual solutions and then attempts to create a general
algorithm for the problem. Computer scientists must be creative; they must be able to
discover creative ways to apply problem-solving techniques to new and diverse situations.
Why Concordia University Wisconsin?
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CUW is a teaching, not a research, university. Our primary goal
is to ensure educational success within a Christian framework. Unlike large,
state universities, CUW does not employ graduate TAs to teach courses.
All courses are taught by faculty professors who care about their work.
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All computer science instructors have relevant work experience in the field.
Thus, they are able to bring valuable "real world" experience into the
classroom, ensuring that course material is relevant and worthwhile.
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CUW students enjoy small class size which results in individual attention
and enhanced learning opportunities.
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CUW has fantastic computing facilities. Possessing the some of the finest
computer laboratories for a school of its size, CUW is able to offer students
exposure to a wide variety of computing hardware and software.
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Most importantly, the Christian framework of CUW provides a natural environment
for the integration of ethics into the curriculum. Today, employers demand
that students be enlightened on moral and ethical issues in computing;
CUW provides ethical and moral instruction integrated into the curriculum.
The Curriculum
The computer science program at Concordia is a "pure" computer science program; that is,
it is not meant to be a "programming degree" or an "MIS" degree. The curriculum is modeled
after recommendations made by computer science professional societies for 4 year BS degree
programs. (The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute for Electrical
and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) combined to specify a model BS degree program in Computing
Curriculum 1991.)
The program requires a strong liberal arts core because a computer scientist must be
creative (exposed to many, different disciplines) and able to communicate effectively.
Most importantly, the Christian worldview of CUW is reflected within the computer science
curriculum.
A unique aspect of the Concordia computer science program is the first course, CSC 150.
CSC 150 is a broad survey of computer science and is part of a new, national trend in
computer science education. CSC 150 is the foundational course for the computer science
program.
Computer Science Faculty
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Locklair, Gary, BA Chemistry, BS Computer Science - California
State U, Sacramento; MS Computer Science - U of Idaho; LCMS teaching colloquy
- CUW; PhD Computer Science - Nova Southeastern U
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Menuge, Angus, BA - U of Warwick, England; MA, PhD Philosophy
- U of Wisconsin
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Williams, Jeff, BA Business, M.Div, PhD student
Employment Opportunities
A computer scientist may be employed by a software development firm and create application packages
for commercial use. The computer scientist creates software applications as tools to solve other
people's problems. The software created could range from scientific 'number-crunching' to business
'file processing' to home 'entertainment' applications. A computer scientist could also create
technical tools for other professionals, such as: programming languages, compilers, operating
systems and the like. Since problem-solvers will always be in demand, regardless of the field or
specific job, a computer scientist is in a unique position to transfer problem solving skills to a
great many different environments.
A major in computer science does not mean that you are doomed to
spend the rest of your life in a "windowless room" staring at a CRT and endlessly typing on a
keyboard! Many computer scientists spend a great deal of time interacting with other people in such
jobs as: systems analyst, technical marketing representative, technical sales representative,
service/support engineer, quality assurance engineer or program manager. A few deranged souls even
go on to graduate school and become college professors. A quick check of the employment classifieds
in any metropolitan newspaper will reveal the demand for computer science graduates.
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